CPT® Code 11982

The CPT® Code 11982 refers to the procedure for the removal of a non-biodegradable drug delivery implant. Drug delivery implants are medical devices designed to release medication into the body over a specified period. Unlike biodegradable implants, which are absorbed by the body and do not require removal, non-biodegradable implants must be surgically extracted after their therapeutic purpose has been fulfilled. These implants typically consist of a cylindrical shape and are made up of a drug reservoir encased in a polymer or a mixture of drug and polymer. The polymer serves to control the rate at which the drug is released into the surrounding tissue. The insertion of such implants is performed using a specialized device provided by the manufacturer, and the procedure involves careful selection of the insertion site, usually on the inner aspect of the upper arm, followed by local anesthesia and a small incision. The removal process, as described in CPT® Code 11982, involves making an incision over the proximal tip of the implant, locating the implant, and carefully extracting it while ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding tissue. This procedure is essential for patients who have received non-biodegradable implants, as it allows for the safe and effective removal of the device once its therapeutic role has been completed.